Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Toddlers: A Pilot Study
Abstract
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based program used to treat behavioral disorders in early childhood (2–7 years; Eyberg, 1988 Eyberg , S. ( 1988 ). Parent-Child Interaction Therapy: Integration of traditional and behavioral concerns . Child Family Behavior Therapy , 10 ( 1 ), 33 – 46 .[Taylor & Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]). This article describes a modified version of PCIT for young toddlers (PCIT-T) adapted to meet the developmental needs of children aged 12–24 months. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of PCIT-T with 29 parent-toddler dyads (children aged <2 years) presenting with significant behavior problems, assessed pretreatment and posttreatment. Outcomes for two groups of older children who participated in PCIT (Group 1: 2–3 years, n = 29; Group 2: 3–4 years, n = 29) were also assessed. Results showed PCIT-T to be associated with a range of positive child and parental outcomes including decreased intensity of disruptive child behaviors, increased parental utilization of PCIT parenting skills, decreased parental depressive symptoms, and high levels of consumer satisfaction with the program. This study provides early evidence that a modified version of PCIT can be successfully used to treat behavior disorders in children aged less than 2 years.
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In an initial study, Kohlhoff and Morgan retrospectively reviewed outcomes of 29 clinic-referred parent-toddler dyads treated with an early version of PCIT-T (CDI-T phase only).
“In an initial study, Kohlhoff and Morgan [51] retrospectively reviewed outcomes of 29 clinic-referred parent-toddler dyads (Child Mage 19.8 months, SD 2.60) treated with an early version of the PCIT-T (CDI-T phase only).”
From Optimizing parenting and child outcomes following parent–child interaction therapy – toddler: a randomized controlled trial (2024) · cites this paper as [51]
In keeping with previous PCIT-T outcome studies, PCIT-T led to a range of positive changes in child functioning.
“In keeping with previous PCIT-T outcome studies [50, 51, 53, 54], PCIT-T also led to a range of positive changes in child functioning.”
From Optimizing parenting and child outcomes following parent–child interaction therapy – toddler: a randomized controlled trial (2024) · cites this paper as [51]
Taken together, results build on previous PCIT-T outcome studies to highlight PCIT-T as an effective early parenting intervention program.
“Taken together, results build on previous PCIT-T outcome studies [50–54] to highlight PCIT-T as an effective early parenting intervention program.”
From Optimizing parenting and child outcomes following parent–child interaction therapy – toddler: a randomized controlled trial (2024) · cites this paper as [51]
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- Authors
- Kohlhoff, J., & Morgan, S.
- Corresponding author
- Kohlhoff, Jane
- Venue
- Child & Family Behavior Therapy
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2014-04
- Volume
- 36
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 121-139
- ISSN
- 0731-7107 (ISSN-L)
- 1545-228X
- OpenAlex
- W2110105158
- Cited by
- 35
- References
- 47
- Citations by year
- 2026: 3 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 1 · 2020: 8 · 2019: 1 · 2018: 8 · 2017: 1 · 2016: 3 · 2015: 1
- FWCI
- 1.97
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Child & Family Behavior Therapy (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Child Therapy and Development
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Behavioral and Psychological Studies
- Keywords
- Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, toddlers, disruptive behavior, parenting skills, parental depressive symptoms, child behavior problems, program effectiveness, customer satisfaction
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